Here at GTAIS, our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, develop critical thinking, and foster a lifelong love of learning from Early Years through Middle School. Here’s a look at how we structure our curriculum and the materials we use. 

Lower Elementary (Grades K-3) 

In the lower elementary grades, we focus on building foundational skills in reading, writing, math, and social studies with dedicated periods for each subject. 

• Literacy: Our literacy program uses material from the Center for Collaborative Classroom and is separated into reading and writing to give each skill the attention it deserves. Our reading program, How to Be a Reader, and our writing program, How to Be a Writer, both from Collaborative Classroom, are designed to develop strong literacy skills in a fun and engaging way. Making Meaning further enhances reading comprehension and critical thinking through thoughtful text analysis; SIPPS helps students learn basic reading skills, like recognizing sounds, decoding words, and remembering common words, so they can read better. 

• Math: Our math curriculum uses Singapore Math, which emphasizes problem-solving and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. This approach helps students build a solid foundation for future math skills. 

• Social Studies and Science: These subjects alternate throughout the year: 

• Social Studies: In Quarters 1 and 3, students explore social studies using TCI Social Studies materials, which bring history and social concepts to life. 

• Science: In Quarters 2 and 4, the focus shifts to science with the FOSS Science program, encouraging hands-on exploration and discovery. 

Upper Elementary (Grades 4-5) and Middle School (Grades 6-8) 

As students advance to upper elementary and middle school, our curriculum becomes more specialized and is divided into two main areas: Humanities and STEM. 

• Humanities: This specialization combines reading, writing, and social studies: 

• Reading and Writing: Students use the Center for Collaborative Classroom materials to deepen their literacy skills and understanding of English language. 

• Social Studies: For social studies, students use TCI Social Studies resources to explore historical events, cultures, and societal structures in greater depth. 

• STEM: This specialization focuses on math and science: 

• Math: Students use Singapore Math to enhance their mathematical skills through problem-solving and analytical thinking. 

• Science: Science instruction follows the FOSS Science curriculum, which provides a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to learning about the natural world. 

Specials 

In addition to their core academic subjects, all students participate in classes that promote art and wellness 1-2 times per week. These enrichment classes of Art, Music, and Physical Education foster creativity, self-expression, and physical fitness. 

Languages 

While our primary language of instruction is English, we offer additional language instruction to broaden students' cultural and linguistic skills. Students can learn Chinese and Spanish, enhancing their global awareness and communication abilities. 

A Balanced Approach 

Our curriculum is designed to offer a well-rounded education that supports academic growth and fosters a love of learning. By using specialized materials and dividing subjects into focused periods, we cater to diverse learning styles and interests, ensuring every student can thrive.